R62 Wine Valley Towns

History

The Village

The charming well preserved mid 19th century village of McGregor lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains, 20 km from Robertson on a good tarred road. A dirt road does connect the village with the N2 via the Stormsvlei Pass, but the tar peters out a little way beyond the village towards the famous McGregor to Greyton walk via the Bushmanskloof Pass. It is this physical sense of isolation which has helped to preserve some of the most attractive 19th century architecture in the Western Cape.McGregor offers quaint, thatched cottages, outdoor activities, art and crafts, tranquility and relaxation. Surrounded by mountain trails, fruit orchards, olive groves and the vineyards which supply the various McGregor wineries, the village has maintained a rural peaceful ambience inspirational to its artists.

The Early Settlers

The village shares the climate of the Little Karoo: hot in summer and cool to cold in winter, when the rain falls and occasionally snow shimmers in the sunshine on the encircling hills. It is good farming country, and although the !Xan travelled through the area en route to the sea, it was the soil which drew the first farmers to settle in the late 1700s. A few scattered houses were built in the early 1800s. Some were used for nagmaal (such as a terrace of three known as 'Die Trein' in Voortrekker Street), some housed labourers and some were built by people such as the miller and the whipstock maker. The village was officially proclaimed only in 1862 and divided into 2½ha. Plots. By 1905, all the land had been bought by 19 smallholders and farmers and their names are recorded on a contemporary map now in the McGregor Museum.

When the plots were auctioned, an advertising poster apparently claimed that the main road to Cape Town from the north would probably pass through the village. This never happened and neither did the planned road over the mountains through the Boesmanskloof Pass to Greyton.

As a result, the village has retained its friendliness and peaceful feel, with thatch-roofed cottages, vines, apricot trees and olive groves adding a special beauty. The local Heritage Society aims to maintain its historical significance, in architectural and social terms, to promote conservation awareness and continue the development of the surrounding Nature Reserve.

Lady Grey

The growing settlement was originally called Lady Grey, the wife of a governor of the Cape.

Confusingly for the authorities of the day and the post office, the village shared this name with another in the Eastern Cape. But in 1904 the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church decided to call their parish and new church in Voortrekker Street after their much-loved pastor, the Rev. Andrew McGregor, who had just retired after 40 years of dedicated service in Robertson. Two years later, in April 1906, the relieved authorities followed suit and gazetted an official name change to McGregor.

There is a copy of a decree, to be seen in our museum, which was signed on 9th April, 1906 by the Honorable Walter Hely-Hutchinson when the change of name was formalized.

On the 9th, April 2006 McGregor celebrated its name for the 100th year

Venues with McGregor Accomodation are listed on this site with all rates, details and special offers.

McGregor Accommodation and Self Catering Apartments to stay in McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa. Self catering units range from budget or rustic to luxury providing kitchen facilities allowing guests and residents to prepare their own meals. Browse for a McGregor self catering establishments to stay in, cottages, lodges, apartments or holiday houses. Most self-contained accommodation is fully equipped and offer facilities to cater for yourself and family. McGregor Accommodation and BnB Accommodation in McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa. Bed and Breakfast accommodation options range from luxury to budget providing overnight accommodation with breakfast included in the price. Breakfasts range from Continental breakfasts to Full English breakfasts. Browse for a McGregor bed and breakfast establishment to stay in, every b&b accommodation caters for breakfast and may offer restaurant meals discounts too. McGregor Accommodation and Guesthouse Accommodation to stay in McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa. Guest House accommodation ranges from luxury to budget providing a private home or cottage that offers accommodation to paying guests. Breakfasts and other meals are available at an extra fee. Browse for a guesthouse establishment which offers services that will best suit your travelling requirements. McGregor Accommodation and Hotels in McGregor, Western Cape, Southern Africa. A small range of luxury Hotels providing facilities including swimming pools or spas allowing guests to relax and enjoy their stay. Browse for a reasonable McGregor hotel establishment to stay in that best suits you. Some hotel accommodation can offer facilities such as airport transfers, laundry services and wake up calls.

Browse through pet friendly McGregor accommodation, venues that are wheelchair / disabled friendly, establishments with spas, plunge pools or fireplaces. Some places to stay have facilities such as air conditioning, baby sitting, bars, games rooms, internet access, room service, security staff, serviced daily or weekly and offer TV with Mnet or DSTV satellite.

For a list of all accommodation that is affordable and best priced, please have a browse through all our accommodation listings. Whether you are looking for something for the family or places by the beach, we try list the best priced and best specials so finding where to stay is easy. We also advertise wedding venues, team building and corporate accommodation in the surrounding area. Make sure to use our 5 day weather forecast and report to plan all the things to do while on your stay.